Roy Hodgson says Crystal Palace must be on the front foot throughout the January transfer window with his squad needing more additions than most.
Having failed to bring in priority targets of full-backs on either side and another striker over the summer, Palace go into the window knowing exactly what they require.
Injuries to Joel Ward, Patrick van Aanholt and Jeffrey Schlupp have focused the pressure on their business in the New Year and while the January window is often a chaotic month, Hodgson says Palace must approach it with gusto.
“The January transfer window is a very fluid time," said the Palace manager. "Things are happening, things are changing, clubs are looking to shuffle the pack, to improve their squads or allow players who aren’t getting many games to go. It’s a very interesting time.
“A club like ourselves really do need to be on the front foot to take advantage of anything that is going.
“There’s no doubt if you look at squads at the moment in the Premier League there are more gaps that need filling in ours than in most."
The Eagles are keen to send Connor Wickham out on loan next month, though Hodgson says player exits are not high on his list of priorities given Palace's current injury situation.
“It’s always possible," Hodgson said when asked if those on the fringes could leave.
"Certainly at the moment, it’s all hands to the pump so the last thing I’m interested in is discussing how I don’t want players. We need to add rather than detract."
